A Powerful Resurrection

Introduction: We must never summarize the gospel of Jesus Christ as some thoughtful thing He did for us. The problem with much preaching about the death and resurrection of Jesus, is that it often times only discusses how His body was treated by the Romans. My friends, if that is all you think happened and all that Christ achieved, you have missed everything about Jesus' death and resurrection.

I want to take a few moments today and bring us to the honest and raw reality of why the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ had to be of a divine powerful means.

1) The Demand Of God’s Goodness (vv40-43)

A. God is good

Creation speaks to God’s moral excellence.

God in is “good” nature could only create things to reflect His goodness.

The Trinity spoke and agreed to create man after Their likeness.

Mark 10:17-22 (rich young ruler / Good Master)

God is a consuming fire; judgement based on His goodness.

B. Man is not good

Turn to Romans 3:12

Man was “good” at one time in history; CREATION.

Sin disrupted the connection man had to God’s original goodness.

Man fell from “perfect goodness”

Thank the Lord, the sending of Jesus Christ was decreed before the foundation of the world.

1Pe 1:18-21 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

2) The Performance Of God’s Goodness

A. A powerful death

The incarnation of Jesus Christ was the embodiment of God’s perfect goodness.

The birth of Jesus… “and on earth, peace GOOD will toward men”

God’s approval was upon Jesus’ life.

“this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”

He conquered temptation!

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Notice verses 40-43

To the world, a powerful Savior in someone who saves himself. The the believer, a powerful Savior is one who gave His life to save sinners!

Christ forsook His own salvation from the cross that he might provide transformation for those that are lost.

Quote: “Christ bare the sinners sin, and this he had to be treated as though he were a sinner, though a sinner He could never be” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Quote: “Christ off the cross is admired by people of the world, but Christ on the cross is the hope and stay of believers” (C.H. Spurgeon)

John 19:30 Jesus said, “…it is finished.”

God has recieved the GOOD gift of Jesus’ life’s blood.

Here is the catch, in order for a powerful death to available to sinners, there must also be a powerful resurrection........

B. A powerful resurrection

The Bible gives us clear understanding how this resurrection took place.

One example: Lazarus / Jesus said, “come forth”

Jesus was not raised by flesh, but by the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The value and ability of the object determines the impact of one’s faith.

Turn to: 1 Corinthians 15:16-26

3) The Leading Of God’s Goodness

A. Only one path to goodness (REPENTANCE)

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

A purely good God is the only one who can give you a heart of repentance.

Conclusion: You are hopeless lost against God’s goodness. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Resting your faith only on the gospel of Jesus can you victoriously face the review before God’s goodness! What will you do with Jesus?